From Startup Queen to Novelist: Why Ali Kriegsman Self-Published

Summary

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Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club

Episode: From Startup Queen to Novelist: Why Ali Kriegsman Self-Published
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Danielle Robay
Guest: Ali Kriegsman

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Overview

This episode explores the fearless transformation of Ali Kriegsman from successful tech entrepreneur and celebrated business author to debut novelist—one who has charted her own course through the world of self-publishing. Host Danielle Robay dives deep into Ali’s decision to upend her career and personal life, the tough crossroads she navigated, and the creative, hands-on campaign she designed to bring her satirical thriller "The Raise" to readers. Their conversation offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone standing at a crossroads, dreaming of betting on themselves, and for writers daunted by traditional gatekeepers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ali’s Radical Life and Career Shift

• Ali recounts her journey from working at Conde Nast and founding the startup Bulletin to selling the company for eight figures and feeling unfulfilled despite impressive accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30.
• After joining another startup and discovering ethical issues, she decided to walk away, realizing that her self-worth had been too entwined with external validation (08:06 – 10:04).
• Quote:
  “I collected all the titles ... using their validation as a shorthand for my internal validation. It wasn’t working for me anymore ... I have to find some other journey to self belief and self publishing the raise is what got me there.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (10:04)

Choosing Self-Publishing Over Traditional Paths

• After initial rejections from traditional publishers (who didn’t know how to market "startup fiction"), Ali decided to self-publish, regaining creative and logistical control—and investing financially and emotionally in her own vision (08:06 – 11:41; 14:21).
• She describes using her skills as a marketer and entrepreneur to craft a unique book launch: directing every aspect from the cover to the marketing, PR, and even producing a cinematic book trailer.
• Quote:
  “Going the self publishing route … and publishing the book myself … and all of this upfront spending, like, terrorized me at night. But … I had to stomach [it] with the hope that ultimately it would pay off.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (14:21)

Identity, Reinvention, and Internal Validation

• Ali discusses the process of ‘burning down’ her former life to pursue genuine self-worth:
  “In order to become the person you want to be ... it really demands a fundamental mindset shift and almost like a complete overhaul of your internal software.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (15:37)
• She enumerates the questions she asked herself during her reinvention, such as:
  • What do I want to be known for?
  • What unfulfilled desires exist?
  • What signals do I want to send the universe?
    (12:23–13:57)
• Host Danielle emphasizes the power of thoughtfully asking yourself the right questions (11:41–12:23).

The Mechanics of Self-Publishing

• Ali admits her initial ignorance (“I literally started looking for a physical book binder in New York”) and encourages listeners that being a novice is not a barrier (23:06).
• She details how she found partners, built a team, and prioritized working with specific creative women—or not doing it at all if they weren’t available (23:56).
• The unique freedom in self-publishing: Ali handpicked everything, from launch date to creative direction, marketing strategy, and more—contrasting with the many limits of traditional publishing. (25:51)

Marketing The Raise: A Startup Mindset

• Ali brings a startup’s branding sophistication—dedicated website, professional actors playing characters, cinematic trailers, postcards, brand colors, custom soundtracks—to the book’s campaign (25:51 – 28:46).

• On integrating visual media and digital strategies:

  “Books are not just competing with other books anymore. They are competing with all forms of media … The raise is not going to be this one dimensional book. It's going to be a universe.“
  — Ali Kriegsman (25:51)

• The viral TikTok/Instagram campaign was partly improvised: actors filmed POV content during the trailer shoot, happening because of necessity and Ali’s willingness to pivot on the fly (29:18–30:53).

Lessons Learned and Advice for Creatives

• Ali’s #1 takeaway: don’t let industry rejections define you.
  “It is so easy to let other people's opinions or rejection of you become a part of your identity. … if you have that spidey sense inside … you have to listen to it.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (31:03)
• Host Danielle and Ali discuss trusting your gut over external gatekeepers, with reference to Lady Gaga’s journey (31:03).
• On creating lasting change: “Chip away at your dream a little bit every day ... Give yourself grace and give yourself the breathing room to chip away at it little by little, because that’s how it’s going to get done.” (51:04)

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Book Discussion: The Raise

Structure and Genre

• "The Raise" is a satirical psychological thriller, blending humor, suspense, startup satire, and themes of codependency and self-discovery.
  “This is a very vulnerable piece ... every character is fiction, but there are very deep emotional truths in this book.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (40:02)
• Ali’s goal: write a gripping book readers are “addicted to” and finish in 24–48 hours (37:53).
• The story and characters draw on her real startup experiences, with the protagonist’s journey toward internal validation reflecting her own (42:13).

Creative Process

• The opening scene—buying a wig for her cofounder’s corpse—came to her on a flight and was written, ferociously, in the moment (38:53).
• She wrote sequentially and iteratively, with five years from inception to publication (39:51).

Intended Audience & Themes

• Written especially “for women in their 20s” who are ambitious, uncertain, and seeking meaning and validation—but accessible and engaging for anyone (42:13).
• Touches on universal themes:
  • How well do you know those closest to you?
  • The danger of clinging to what you “know for sure” (Mark Twain quote, 44:10).
• The immersive yet accessible startup world has validated readers, especially women in tech, who feel “seen” by Ali’s authentic depiction (46:19).

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Your new life is going to cost you your old one.”
  — Repeated, reframed, and explored as both a cliché and a profound truth (15:11)

• “I decided that ... as a way of life, it can't be how I operate anymore. I have to find a new way of feeling internally valid.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (10:04)

• On branding the book as if it were a startup:
  “I gave it a dedicated website, cast actors ... did a whole photo shoot ... I decided that for this cinematic trailer, this movie trailer, that I was going to pull you into the world of the raise.”
  — Ali Kriegsman (25:51)

• “Nature desires a trade. Your courage in exchange for your dream.”
  — Ali’s “woo woo” Instagram quote of the week (47:15)

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Key Timestamps

• 03:13–04:54: Introduction to Ali Kriegsman’s career journey
• 06:01–07:27: The wild opening scene of "The Raise"
• 08:06–11:41: Ali’s career U-turn, failed traditional publishing attempt, pivot to self-publishing
• 12:23–14:56: Internal questions guiding Ali’s reinvention
• 15:11–17:41: “Your new life is going to cost you your old one”—deconstructing the saying
• 22:00–25:05: Self-publishing process, building a creative team
• 25:51–29:18: Ali’s marketing strategy, the “startup” approach
• 29:18–30:53: TikTok/Instagram social content improvisation
• 31:03–32:55: Lessons on outside rejection and self-trust
• 37:04–41:02: "The Raise"—Genre, process, emotional truths
• 42:13–44:10: Who the book is really for
• 45:43–46:55: Reader reactions and community response
• 47:09: Inspirational quote—nature, dreams, and courage
• 47:57–49:24: Book recommendations for creative transformation
• 51:04: Ali’s top advice: chip away at your dream daily
• 53:22–54:49: Speed round: Ali’s rapid-fire book and literary answers

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Book & Resource Recommendations

• For internal transformation:

  • The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
  • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
  • Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

• For inspiration or genre fans:

  • Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
  • Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
  • My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
  • No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

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Final Takeaways

• Redefining success often means letting go of institutional validation and building self-worth from within.
• Self-publishing, far from being a consolation, can be a form of creative and professional liberation—provided you’re willing to put in the work.
• The hustle of launching a book can be as creative and entrepreneurial as starting a company.
• The most transformative and resonant stories are those rooted in emotional truth, especially for readers seeking to see themselves reflected with honesty and empathy.
• “Chip away at your dream a little bit every day ... That’s how it’s going to get done. And that’s how you’re going to build the confidence up necessary to do the full version of it.” — Ali Kriegsman (51:04)

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For artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring writers: this episode is both inspiring and a toolkit for mapping your own journey beyond the mainstream.

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Transcript

[Podcast Host Intro]

This is an I Heart Podcast.

[Danielle Robay]

Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton we spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for a lazy weekend morning with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort, and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into everyday moments. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. Cotton the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com Life's messy.

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[Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang]

This is Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds are for those who don't conform to the standard. Yeah, I mean, if you get into some touchscreen technology, how about the smart charging case? Clear sound? These are not standard things. You're only going to get them with the JBL Tour Pro 3, baby. And I love the sound of JBL when it goes. These earbuds are packed with innovation because you can't stand out by following others. Touchscreen smart charging case for one touch control, instant EQ customization, true adaptive noise canceling and the one of a kind audio transmitter which can plug and play with everything from game consoles to in flight entertainment. What more could you want first doesn't follow. Grab a [e-mail] bookmarked by Reese's book.

[Danielle Robay]

Club is presented by Apple Books. Hi, I'm Danielle Robay and welcome to.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club.

[Danielle Robay]

You know the drill.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

We have a phone line that I.

[Danielle Robay]

Usually plug at the end of the.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Show, but I'm thinking we can switch it up a little bit. I'm gonna give you the phone number right now. It's 501-291-3379.

[Danielle Robay]

Call me, leave me a hot take, ask a question or just tell me what you're reading and loving. I listen to every single message.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And here's the thing, most of the messages I get are from writers. People who have poured their hearts into a book but feel really lost when.

[Danielle Robay]

It comes to breaking into the publishing world.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And I get it.

[Danielle Robay]

It feels mysterious and complicated.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

So today I wanted to bring somebody onto the show who has figured out.

[Danielle Robay]

Her own way forward.

[Ali Kriegsman]

It is so easy to let other people's opinions or rejection of you become a part of your identity. And I think this entire process taught me that I can be right even when gatekeepers don't get what I'm doing or if the industry I'm in doesn't see where I'm going.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Allie Kriegsman started her career at Conde Nast. She co founded the retail Startup bulletin at just 24 years old and then sold it a few years later for eight figures. She even wrote a book about building an empire with a major publisher. But about a year ago, she did something completely unexpected. In her own words, she decided to burn her life down. She walked away from the traditional founder track, she overhauled her personal life and.

[Danielle Robay]

She set her sights on writing fiction. Now she's debuting the Raise, a razor.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Sharp satirical thriller set in the cutthroat absurd world of startups. And she's not just writing it, she's self publishing, self promoting, and even creating a full on cinematic book trailer for Instagram. And guess what?

[Danielle Robay]

It's working. So if you've ever dreamed of betting.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

On yourself or wondered how to take.

[Danielle Robay]

Your own creative leap, you are in the right place.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Let's turn the page with Ali Kriegsman. Ali Kriegsman welcome to the club.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Thank you for having me, Danielle. Happy to be here.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I'm so excited that you're here today. You're here with your new book, the Raise, which is a sharp satirical thriller set in the girl boss world of startups. Yes. And the book opens with this scene.

[Danielle Robay]

And she has to buy.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

The glorified assistant has to buy a wig for her now dead boss.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yes. So Darcy has an open casket at her funeral, and her mom, Cecilia, is not happy with any of the morticians like, wigs that they can put on Darcy's scarred, bare scalp. So she calls Alexis and she's like, hi, can you pick up a wig for Darcy's open casket? So the book opens and Alexis is standing at this wig shop and she's like, I have to find a wig for my best friend and dead co founder's corpse.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

So my unhinged question to you, Ali, is what wig would you wear to your own funeral in an open castle?

[Ali Kriegsman]

100%. Like, a more elevated and voluminous version of this. Like, I would. I would keep it simple.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I would.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I would do a crisp blonde bob. I don't think I would stray. Yeah, I would just. I'd want it to be iconic. I'd want it to be how everyone has come to. To know and love me, if you will.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Timeless. Absolutely. I was thinking mine would be sort of like Farrah Fawcett, 70s, windblown. Because I. I always want my hair that way, and for some reason, it'll never stay.

[Ali Kriegsman]

How did I do that to her?

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I don't know.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I don't think anyone can get their hair that way.

[Danielle Robay]

Yeah, it just.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I think her hair. You know how hair kind of does its own thing? I think hers just did that.

[Ali Kriegsman]

And I think it was also like the era she came up in, like the 70s and 80s. It's just like hair did that then. I don't think it does that now. It's not allowed to do that anymore.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

It changed. We are going to deep dive into the plot of your book and actually how you got to write it. But I really want to start with your story, Ali, because we met years ago when you founded the company Bulletin, which you ultimately sold. And you were on this very prestigious founder path. You were Forbes 30 under 30. There were lots of accolades. You were in interesting rooms with interesting people. And then In November of 2024, absolutely everything in your life shifted. Yeah, I actually don't know this story. What happened?

[Ali Kriegsman]

I was brought into a company that existed before I joined it. I Joined as co founder earlier that year. And there were things going on within that company in partnership with the person that was running the business that I didn't know about when I joined. And I care a lot about my integrity, I care a lot about my reputation, and I just care a lot about transparency. And so once I started putting the pieces together, I immediately realized I can't be here anymore and I quit on the spot. The year prior, I had worked with my agents at CIA on selling the raise. We had done an initial push to editors and publishers to try to bring it to market. And that first push to editors was very interesting. I don't know the editors understood the genre. I think that the cult of female founder had. It hadn't really resurged in the way that it's back now in 2025. And unfortunately the publishing works a lot off of comps. So startup fiction hadn't sold well for these publishers in the past. I don't consider the raise like just a startup fiction thriller. I mean, you've read it, so you know that it is so much more. But from a marketing perspective, publishers said, we love this book. This is voicey, it's amazing, it's so propulsive, it's delicious. But we don't know what to do with this from a marketing perspective. So before we went out to more editors, I just decided like, maybe traditional publishing isn't the right route. I'm just going to leave this be for now. So I was just in a really dark place at the end of 2024. I didn't know what to do with my book, I didn't know what to do with my career.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

What I read from your substack is you were also personally going through a lot of transition. Like you, you, your words were, I burned down my life.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah, yeah.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Which is, I think, something that people fantasize about.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I'm such a millennial. Um, my entire identity was wrapped up in prestige, accolades, success and status, you know, and so I did it all, you know, I raised venture capital, I did a prestigious VC accelerator. I was Forbes 30 under 30. As you said, Fast Company's most creative people in business. Like, I collected all the titles, I collected all the accolades. And then, you know, this venture backed business I had joined was not what I thought it was and it burned down. I didn't successfully sell my book to these gatekeepers, even though I was with caa, one of the best agencies in the world. And so it just kind of felt like all of these things I had been glomming onto to form my identity and create this sense of personal validation. These external institutions that were of high regard, almost like using their validation as a shorthand for my internal validation. It wasn't working for me anymore. So I decided that as a way of life, it can't be how I operate anymore. I have to find a new way of feeling internally valid. I have to find some other journey to self belief and self publishing. The raise is what got me there. Ultimately deciding to bring the book to market myself, to creative direct every aspect of the book, the COVID the marketing campaign, the PR campaign. I decided to make a movie trailer for the Rays starring actors and TikTok stars to really bring people into this immerse world of the book. That process over the last 10 months, 11 months, has been the thing that's brought me back to myself.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

One of the coolest aspects of what you've been doing is that you're very transparent about how you're building. So you've taken everybody who follows you into the process with you. You've been documenting much of this journey on your sub stack and you talk about how you laid out your plan with a capital P. So in a journal with a gel pen, which I'm also a big gel pe girl because I think we're millennials and you know this about me, but I'm obsessed with questions. And I believe that when you want better answers, you have to ask better questions. And you were searching for answers over the last 10, 11 months, as you said. What were some of the questions that you asked yourself?

[Ali Kriegsman]

I asked myself, who do I want to become? And at this point, I was 33, so I wasn't like a 21 year old or a 22 year old graduating college. You know, I'm, I'm doing a pivot, like I'm in my early 30s, 30s, and I'm like, I can begin again. I can become someone new. And I always believe that. I always believe in the power of transformation and that it's never too late to become the a new version of yourself that you can fall in love with and be proud of. I asked myself, what do I want to be known for? I have so many skill sets. I'm a writer, I'm a marketer. I help other founders raise venture capital. I help other founders bring their visions to life. Um, I'm a friend, I'm a sister, I'm so many things, but how do I want the world and the universe to see and receive me? I asked myself, what do I want to learn. I am a forever learner and I learn by doing so. In asking myself, what do I want to learn? That basically led me to like, who do I want to be talking to? Who do I want to be meeting? What projects do I want to be working on to expand my skillset? And I asked myself, like, what unfulfilled desires exist in my life that I haven't met yet? And for me, having readers for this book was a very serious, unfulfilled desire. I had written the book by the end of 2024. I was so proud of it and I loved it. But there is something so satisfying as an author about connecting with your audience and connecting with your community.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

They're written in your substack and maybe we can even publish them in the show notes because I think they're so useful. But one of the other ones that I really connected to was what signals did I want to send the universe?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And is there a world in which the answer supports my income in the long run?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Which I think the answer to that question was the raise. You wanted to become a novelist.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah. Going the self publishing route and bringing this book to market myself and publishing the book myself and paying these actors for the trailer and, you know, paying for the photo shoot for the COVID Like, all of this upfront spending, like, terrorized me at night. But asking that question of like, is this going to support me somehow in the long run. It helped me reframe all of this anxiety as just kind of a temporary feeling I had to stomach with the hope that ultimately it would pay off.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I love that you have created a business out of.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I know. Of course, creativity.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Of course you did. There's this saying that makes its rounds on social media. I'm sure you've seen it. But there's so many graphics or memes that say your new life is going to cost you your old one.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And you've written about this saying, saying that it is trite but true. Yes. And every time I see this saying, I don't understand what it means. And you are. You are so insightful, Ali. I'm wondering if you can break it down for me in terms of what it means to you. What does that saying actually mean in your day to day life? What changed for me?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Your new life is going to cost you your old one basically means that in order to become the person you want to be, in order to build the life you want to build, in order to live the creatively fulfilled life you want to live, in order to have the people in your life you want to have in order to be treated the way you deserve to be treated. It really demands a fundamental mindset shift and almost like a complete overhaul of your internal software and your internal operating system. So the life that you live is reflective of your beliefs about yourself and your mindset and how you think you deserve to be treated and how it's a complete reflection of how you value yourself in space and in relationship to other people and in the world and in your career. And I had a certain framework for that. And that meant my life looked like X, right? As a reflection of all of those beliefs. And if I wanted my life to look like Y, it meant I needed to do a full software update inside. It means I needed to rewrite how I related to other people. It means I needed to rewrite the software for what I believed about my career. It means I needed to rewrite the software for how I thought about the value of my creativity. It means I needed to rewrite the software for how I valued myself. Right? I had spent so long latching onto how other people valued me and perceived me instead of finding that value within. Because I believed I was talented and I believed I was skillful. I needed to stop using these external shortcuts for that self belief and really build that self belief from the ground up inside. So I think that that's what that phrase means. It means that you have to do these internal shifts and these internal overrides in order for the new life you want to reflect the life that you deserve.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I'm feeling so inspired hearing you say that. Because sometimes the. The. The wanting of the shift, or at least for me, the wanting of the shift, I feel powerless in it. I'm like, why can't I get to that level or have that thing or that person or whatever it is? And the way that your mind thinks is sort of like, let me backtrack the blueprint. And you actually write things down and ask yourself questions and. And create the momentum for yourself, which feels really good and empowering.

[Danielle Robay]

Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton. We spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and with characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands, but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for lazy weekend mornings with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like the books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into our everyday moments. Moments like following four adult daughters as they navigate love, loss and the legacy in the Most Fun We Ever had by Claire Lombardo, all while curled up in soft cotton joggers or sinking into the island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafa, A story that spans generations, forbidden love and a fig tree that remembers everything wrapped in a hand stitched quilt, each thread holding its own kind of memory. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. Cotton the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com Apple Books is the best place to read, listen to or discover the books you love without a subscription right on your iPhone. And now there's a very exciting heads up for listeners. Apple Books is the official audiobook and ebook home for Reese's Book Club, so it's easier than ever to explore each monthly book pick plus author curated collections and more all in one place. Open the Apple Books app to explore a world of books and audiobooks. You can set goals and track your reading progress. Get great recommendations for your next read or listen and enjoy it all on the go wherever you are. You can even share your books with up to five family members at no cost. Again, no subscription required. Visit Apple co reeseapplebooks to find out more. That's Apple co reeseapplebooks and read or listen to Reese's current Pick and browse past selections today on Apple Books.

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[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Well, you just Chief operating officer your life into Pub day, which is tomorrow.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Exactly.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And you know, unlike a lot of other authors that we've had on this show, you are self publishing. I think you're our first self publishing.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Author and I'm so honored for that. I'm like, hell yes. That is so exciting.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I want to ask you what tomorrow is going to look like for you.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Well, my family is obviously going to be in town. My brother lives in Dallas and my mom's in la. But we are so close, the three of us, and they're flying into New York to support me. I have nothing planned. I have nothing on my calendar. We're all just gonna like sit around and bask in it. So that is hopefully what it's gonna look like. And hopefully nothing crazy happens that's gonna derail my, my plans for peace.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I really hope there are no fire drills for you tomorrow, but take me, take me into the self publishing world. What is the actual process? What was your, what was your first step?

[Ali Kriegsman]

So my first step was hilarious. I actually, I, Danielle, I literally started looking for a physical book binder in New York. Like, I didn't realize that there are these companies that you can partner with to handle, you know, the interior design of the book and the printing and then getting it uploaded. I thought I was going to have to physically, like old timey days.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Hilarious.

[Ali Kriegsman]

The reason I bring this up is because I want the audience to know, like, you can be that much of a novice before you do something, as long as you have enough lead time and you give yourself enough buffer. I obviously figured it out pretty quickly, like within a week, but that was my first step.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I would have thought that too. Or to like upload photos and writing to the Apple software that prints out books.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Exactly. I was like, am I going to Staples? What ultimately happened was I traditionally published my first book, which taught me a lot about traditional publishing. The pros, the cons, the inner workings of the industry. And that experience definitely influenced my decision to self publish. Another author named Chelsea Fagan is similarly a nonfiction author who traditionally published multiple nonfiction books and decided to self publish her very successful fiction book. And I got in touch with her team and found out the publishing partner she worked with to bring her book to market and handle all the ops and logistics. So that was step number one and step number two was I have to build my team. I had a very specific creative director I wanted to work with. I had a very specific director for the cinematic trailer I wanted to work with. And I basically decided if these specific women don't work with me, I'm not going to do it. So I decided step two was I have to take them to dinner, I have to sell them on my vision, and I have to get them bought in because the raise isn't going to happen unless Allison, Ava and Sophia decide to say yes to me and do this in partnership with me.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

When people think self publishing, I think their first reaction after impressive is like, wow, that sounds like a lot of work. Like you just don't really know where to start. But I'm going to flip it on its head for a second because what it also means is freedom over the entire process. A million persons, a lot of people don't know that when you publish a book with a publisher, you don't get to choose the COVID for instance, or the title, sometimes not even the title. Right. And you definitely don't get to choose the marketing plan. So you are an expert marketer. You had freedom over this entire process, as as detailed as you possibly can. Take me through this marketing plan, as detailed as possible, possible.

[Ali Kriegsman]

So everything you said about traditional publishing is true. And that's another thing that motivated me to self publish. I knew that I wanted the raise to come out September 17, right after burning man from a marketing perspective. So I couldn't, you know, the book couldn't shift when it came out. I knew that I wanted it to come out that exact date. So my kind of philosophy as a marketer, as a book marketer is marketing is visual. Now everything is visual. There's a reason that Addison Ray, you know, our queen, Lord and Savior, made a music video for every single song that she released on her debut album. There's a reason that unfortunately, the average American consumes way more Netflix than they than they read. It's because we are visual creatures. And to me, books are not just competing with other books anymore. They are competing with all forms of media. And so for me, if I'm launching a book, I need to show up where the the audience is. I need to do something visual too. So I decided from the very beginning the raise is not going to be this one dimensional book. It's going to Be a universe. There is going to be a brand behind this book. It is going to have a look and feel. It is going to have an atmosphere. So the first thing was I gave it a dedicated website, readtherays.com I cast actors to play characters in the book so that when you go to the website you have this look and feel and energy of what the book is about and who these characters may be. I decided to do a whole photo shoot to create postcards that would come with the book when I gave it to influencers for early copies. So that Victoria has a face, you know, Darcy has a face and a style. Alexis has a face and a vibe. I decided that for this cinematic trailer, this movie trailer, that I was going to pull you into the world of the rays. The same way that when you watch a movie trailer for a movie or a trailer for a series, you're like, this is so yummy. This is so intriguing. What comes next? What happens next? I can't wait for it to stream this. I can't wait to watch this. I wanted to do something like that for my book, especially because I was self publishing and it's so competitive and so crowded. But also because I think that's just how people consume entertainment these days. It's visual, had brand colors. The brand colors are black, white and red. It had a soundtrack. You know, there's a playlist to go with the book. And I also made an original score because I, I produce music as well to go with the trailer. That was, that was kind of what anchored the entire marketing.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

It's so exciting for me to hear you talk about this because this is a very similar marketing approach to how you build a company from the ground. Yeah, this is the startup marketing approach. You think about exactly who your audience is, the brand colors, the fonts, all of it. I think one of my favorite things that you've done is hire professional actors to play characters from the book on TikTok and Instagram. And they're filming these POV posts meaning point of view posts. Tell. Talk to me about the strategy behind that.

[Ali Kriegsman]

So what's really funny, Danielle, is that was an off the cuff decision I made while we were filming the trailer. So I actually had a whole shot list of pre planned social posts that were going to be highly edited that I like painstakingly put together before we went to to make the trailer. And we had a few different locations for the trailer. So we're at this beautiful church, we're at my friend Lula's amazing restaurant, Breakfast by Salt's Cure in Cobble Hill. We're in my apartment. Were everywhere, and I'm like, paying for these actors and this crew and all these amazing people. And I was like, I need to get social content while we're here. You know, I need to make the most of this investment. I was like, what can I do? That's really quick. That is also native to TikTok. That's kind of a visual language that people understand. So I just thrust the phone on the actress Evie, who plays Alexis, and I'm like, just cry into camera. Just cry into camera. And then I gave it to, you know, Ethan on the roof of my building. And I'm like, okay, just look out. Just look out and look frustrated. I gave it to an extra, and I'm like, just roll your eyes into camera and then pan to the casket and then look back. It was not like a brilliant, masterminded thing. It was honestly done in this reactive heat of the moment, where I realized this carefully calibrated shot list I had put together was not going to happen because I was a novice. I had not really been on set before, and I was like, oh, my thing is not gonna happen, so I have to pivot and do something else.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And it's working. Which is. It is working.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I know. It's so cool.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Is there anything that you learned along the way that really surprised you?

[Ali Kriegsman]

I think that it is so easy to let other people's opinions or rejection of you become a part of your identity. And I think that that has happened to me a lot in my life. Um, if people don't understand what I'm doing or disprove of what I'm doing, I immediately take their word as gospel. And I think this entire process really reversed that for me and taught me that I can be right. Even when gatekeepers don't get what I'm doing, or if, you know, the industry I'm in doesn't see where I'm going. I think about so many artists like Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga. There was a Facebook group made about Lady Gaga when she was in college titled Lady Gaga, you will never be famous. And if Lady Gaga had let that Facebook group define her sense of herself and her talent and her skill set, we would have no Lady Gaga. God forbid. I need Lady Gaga. We all need Lady Gaga. And so I think that the biggest lesson for me in this has been if you have that spidey sense inside or that gut instinct that you are talented, your creativity is worth investing in, you have a project or a vision that you need to bring to life and it just won't shut up like it's clawing at you every day. You have to listen to it. And to let other people dissuade you or knock you off the course is giving them way too much agency and way too much credibility over your dreams and your future.

[Danielle Robay]

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[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

A world of books and audiobooks.

[Danielle Robay]

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[Ali Kriegsman]

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[Ali Kriegsman]

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[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Okay, Ally, we gotta get into the raise. Let's talk about your book. Your first book was how to Build a GD Empire. It was nonfiction and it was really demystifying entrepreneurship. It was your experience in your own voice. Now, this book, which is self published, is a mystery thriller novel. I kind of want to add satire in there because it's very funny.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Why did you feel drawn to this genre and is this a genre? Tech murder mystery satire?

[Ali Kriegsman]

I, I think this is a genre. I mean, this to me is a archetypal psychological thriller that has satirical moments and also deep, vulnerable emotional moments. But it is quite genre bendy. It's, I do like to say it's, it's its own thing. I mean, it's raw, it's real. But it, it does have the same pacing as an archetypal psychological thriller. If you love Jessica Noel, if you love Lisa Jewellery, if you love Frida McFadden like you will like this book.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And it has this overarching question that I think all of those authors play with, which is how well do you actually know the people you think you know?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Exactly. Exactly. I wrote in this genre because this is the genre I like to consume. And I think as a creative person, you can't help but consume these things and naturally start asking yourself, could I do this? And I'm the type of person where if I start asking myself, could I do this? I naturally get to the answer of, well, let me try. So I felt like I wanted to write something that I knew people would just obsessively read. I mean, my goal was to write a book that was insanely gripping, insanely suspenseful, that someone would be addicted to, that they feel like they had to finish within 24 to 48 hours. And if you look at the Goodreads reviews, that is. That's the consensus. Like, I think I did my job.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Did you write it chapter by chapter, or was it a puzzle? Did you start with the dead person? The reveal somewhere in the middle? What was your process like?

[Ali Kriegsman]

The first scene came to me where Alexis is at the wig store looking for a wig to put on Darcy's bare scalp, you know, for Darcy's open casket at her funeral. That came to me on a flight back home. And I wrote the first three chapters in this, like, feral, ferocious state on a flight. Then I took a break, and then I started working with Post its to cobble together the plot. But I did write it in sequential order, I feel like, because it was my first book, it was my first time doing fiction. That's how my brain works. My brain works in a very linear way. So I did write it in order, chapter by chapter. That said, I've been working on this book for five years, so I did revisit it in the past year to tune things up, tighten things up, deepen and layer certain characters. So in that regard, it has been revisited. And I did at that point, kind of hop around between different chapters and not necessarily do everything in order.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And while this is fiction, I mean, you did write about a world you knew, which is tech and entrepreneurship. What parts of yourself, if any, did you put into the main character?

[Ali Kriegsman]

What I like to say is every character is fiction, but there are very deep emotional truths in this book. This is a very vulnerable piece. This is a very, I would say, emotionally confessional piece within a fictional world. I think that Alexis, the protagonist, is deeply codependent, and I think that the truth of the codependency is a truth of mine. I have struggled with codependency a lot, and I think that I haven't seen that in a lot of literature. And I have loved it when I have seen it in literature. I really like it when Sally Rooney covers codependency and her fictional characters. So that is definitely an emotional truth. So I always like to say about creatives and about fiction authors, our characters are fiction, but they're rooted in emotional truths that we kind of analyze and process and work through by bringing the work to life.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

So we kind of alluded to the fact that we know each other at the beginning of this conversation. But the full truth in speaking of emotional truth and honesty, the full truth is that we had a coffee in Los Angeles years ago and I had been telling you about my dreams and you shared your dreams. And I said I wanted to work with hello Sunshine and Reese's Book Club. And I had this idea for a podcast or a show and you said that you were writing a book that is this mystery thriller novel set in the Girlboss tech era that you had experienced yourself. And I'll never forget, Ali, how lit up you were talking about it. Like it felt like if you didn't get this out of your body and onto the page, you were going to explode. Yeah. And I think a lot of times when creative projects feel that way, we're sort of writing the book or we're putting the project out for our younger selves even. Who did you write this book for?

[Ali Kriegsman]

I wrote this book for women in their 20s. I think that women in their 30s and women in their 40s will love the book for its thrilleriness and for the mystery and for the characters and.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

For.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah, more of like the superficial elements of what makes it like an amazing commercial thriller, if I do say so myself. But the emotional truths of the book are for women in their 20s who feel lost, who feel really ambitious and driven but confused about where to put that or what to do with that, and who don't necessarily look inward for internal validation and worthiness and self belief. Because that is Alexis. That is our protagonist. Our protagonist is on a hero's journey of finding internal worth and value within. So this book is really for women, but people in general in their 20s who need a bit of themselves reflected back to them to feel inspired and motivated that they will, will get there and they will figure things out. And so I guess in that way it's for like 23 year old me, it's for 24 year olds me. And I hope that the right people find it and that it transforms people in that way. And I hope that for people who don't need that transformation, they love it as the commercial crazy, you know, wild roller coaster edge of your seat, you know, keeps you guessing ride that, that it is. At the same time, I think the.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Quote, the Mark Twain quote that you open with actually sets the tone for that idea. It says, it ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so. Yes.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yes.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Why open with that quote?

[Ali Kriegsman]

For two reasons, I think. Number one, I wanted to tell the reader what you're reading and what you're receiving as truth and fact in this book. You should maybe in the back of your head always have this scratchy noise of maybe I shouldn't take this at face value. I think the second thing is that, to me, is so much the moral of the story of the raise, that you can walk into situations, relationships, your life, you can kind of build a whole life and think it's this, it's X, it's Y. Maybe it's a work thing, a marriage, a friendship. And you are so certain this is good, this is perfect, this is valid. This is going to be forever. You know, this is what gives me value. This is what makes me like who I am. But that's not always necessarily the case.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I've been looking on Goodreads, and it is so funny that all of these people have been saying that your book needs a trigger warning. And it's not for what you think it would be. It's not for sensitive content like we're used to. It's for people who have worked in tech startups.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Oh, my God. I know. I'm.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

It's.

[Ali Kriegsman]

It's. It's. I do think it's. It's very immersive. It's a very textured, real feeling world. Like, it really. I do think I do a good job placing you there. And it's because I lived it for.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Eight years, and that's something you said at coffee, that you had not read any novels that really felt akin to your experience. So I just. I think it's so satisfying for me to read those reviews and feel like all these women in tech feel seen by your writing.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I. I think so, too. And I think what's. What's extra validating is that for people that don't come from that world, it's not alienating for them. They actually really enjoy it. They're like, I loved this. In the same way that I think succession had such mass appeal, even though you didn't have to come from corporate or, you know, be a Nepo baby or be, you know, in. In that world. I think the raise does a good job of making that world really accessible and really palatable and just kind of like a really fun, thrilling atmosphere to be in.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

So, Allie, I always ask guests what they've bookmarked this week. It can be a weird fact, a fun quote, Something you saved on Instagram, something you texted your mom about. What have you bookmarked, marked this week?

[Ali Kriegsman]

It is a Woo Woo Instagram quote.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I mean, you know, I love the woo.

[Ali Kriegsman]

So the Woo Woo Instagram quote that I have bookmarked for this week is nature desires a trade. Your courage in exchange for your dream.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Yeah, it's hot in here. Allie's waving at her face. That is great. And I think that, that that's shown to be true with, with this process of self publishing for you.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah, definitely.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

You know, you bet on yourself and all of these great things are coming to you.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yes. Including this opportunity. So thank you again.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

You're so sweet. Are there any book recs for people who want to follow in your footsteps?

[Ali Kriegsman]

The books that I will recommend for, like my journey to self publishing are not super prescriptive on, like, here's how you find the right publishing partner. It's more emotional and mindset shifty stuff. So number one, the Untethered Soul is an unbelievable internal transformation book. I highly recommend it. The other book I recommend, obviously the Artist's Way. I feel like everyone is doing or recommending the artist's way right now by Julia Cameron.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Because of Dochi.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Because of Dochi. But it is such an incredible book. Another book that I love is called Designing your life. It's by two Stanford educators that actually are designers and they talk about how to construct your life and your creative process and your work process and your professional existence in response to how you naturally operate. I feel like instead of kind of shoehorning yourself into a professional identity or a career that really goes against the tides of who you are. Whether it's when you want to wake up in the morning or how busy you want to be or how extroverted or introverted you want to be. It really helps you kind of form fit yourself into a career that aligns with who you naturally are as a person.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I also really like looking at self publishing as an opportunity instead of this sort of like, begrudging thing that you have to do if a publisher says no. Because it really can be an opportunity.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah. And I think what people don't know about traditional publishing is it's a business. Right. Like, there's a reason that Romantasy has been so huge this year. It's because if a single title takes off for a traditional publisher, they're gonna double down on that category. It's the same way that, like, Gillian Flynn was a huge hit with Gone Girl and then titles similar to Gone Girl were like the titles of the moment. So whether you get accepted, rejected, whatever, it's really just a reflection of what's trending in the market right now and what is the safest bet for publishers. But the thing I also wrote about on Substack is the safest bet is never the thing that usually, like, breaks through and makes the loudest noise and like, transforms the culture. For me, self publishing was a way of saying, I'm willing to take the risk. You know, I'm willing to take the hit. But also if this goes well, I get all the credit.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

In that same vein, Ali, you talk about the system with a capital S all the time and how to operate outside of it, which is what you've done with this whole process. So many people feel like they have a book or a company or an idea inside of them. And people are coming from different backgrounds, different life situations. What is the single best thing that you can share with them about how to break out of a pattern that is making them feel unhappy or unfulfilled?

[Ali Kriegsman]

My best piece of advice would be to chip away at your dream a little bit every day. You don't need crazy amounts of capital or crazy resourcing or the network overnight to become who you're meant to become. I think that confidence and self belief and conviction in yourself comes from taking action, even if it's making a promise to yourself that you're going to live out that dream 30 minutes a night. You know, working on your poetry or working on your script, or working on your business, or, you know, building a beautiful playroom for your son, or, you know, working on your garden or learning a new recipe because you want to become a better cook for your family, or working on a scone recipe because you want to open a coffee shop. Whatever it is, you don't need to hold yourself to the highest standard of I'm going to be this thing tomorrow. Like, think about me thinking I had to get a physical book binder in New York again. Like, I'm in medieval times, like walking over with stray papers. Like, gonna get this book smushed together like in some basement. Like, that's where I was. And now I have a book that's in market that is performing super well. I'm on the Reese Witherspoon Book Club podcast, but this all started with a few chapters on a flight and just keeping going a little bit day by day and trusting myself and believing in myself a little bit, a little bit over time. So that's the advice that I would give, is stop putting yourself and your dreams and this opportunity that you want on this crazy pedestal. Give yourself grace and give yourself the breathing room to chip away at it little by little, because that's how it's going to get done. And that's how you're going to build the confidence up necessary to do the full version of it. When the time comes, that's what's going to get you ready.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Okay, Allie, I think you could moonlight as an inspirational speaker, but as we wrap up this podcast, I want to do a little speed read with you. So we're going to put 60 seconds on the clock and see just how many rapid fire literary questions you can get through. Your mind thinks so fast. I have a feeling we can get through them all. Are you ready?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yeah. I'm scared.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Okay. 3, 2, 1. Your favorite book to recommend.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Yellowface. R.F. kwang.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

An author whose book you'd love to publish.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Raven Leilani.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Favorite book that nails ambition.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Oh. The Talented Mr. Ripley.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

A book that nails female friendship. Ooh.

[Ali Kriegsman]

My brilliant friend Elena.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

The best book that you've never read.

[Ali Kriegsman]

The best book I've never read?

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Yeah. Like, for me, there's all these classics that I really like. They're on my list, and I just can never get to it.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Wait, it's over here.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

I love that it's on your bookshelf.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Patricia Lockwood. No one's talking about this. I haven't read it yet, but I need to.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Which fictional character do you secretly think you're most like?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Hannah Horvath?

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Oh, my God. What book shaped the way you see the world? You are the voice of our generation, Hannah.

[Ali Kriegsman]

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Noel.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Who would you cast as you in your memoirs film trailer?

[Ali Kriegsman]

Zara Larson.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Ooh, good one. Okay. Allie, I'm so proud of you. I'm so excited for you. I'm so inspired by you. Truly, it takes a lot for me to feel inspired in this way, and I think a lot of it is coming from the fact that you took such a big swing and a bet on yourself. And I will root for anybody who bets on themselves, but you did it in such an elevated way. So congratulations on pub day tomorrow. And I just feel so lucky to know you.

[Ali Kriegsman]

I feel so lucky to know you. Thank you for this opportunity. I love this conversation. And everyone, enjoy the raise. I can't wait to hear what you think about it. And, yeah, buckle up. It's a wild ride.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

That it is. Okay, friends, before we wrap up today's episode, I'm bringing back our monthly comfort segment from Cotton, called The Book Nook. It's where we explore the rituals that make reading feel just right. As you know, cotton is a part of so many of life's everyday comforts.

[Danielle Robay]

From the soft teas we live in to the sheets and blankets we wind down with.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And it's especially present in those moments when you're lost in a book. Last month, I shared my ideal setup, which always involves something cozy and cotton. Definitely some iced coffee and a warm patch of sunlight. Now it's your turn.

[Podcast Host Intro]

Hey, bookmarked. Hey, Danielle. This is Lauren, calling in from Breezy, Rhode Island. So I'm mostly a nighttime reader. My reading ritual involves being nowhere near any devices. I've turned down the lights in my house. I've got my PJs on, my teeth are brushed. Like, I'm totally ready for bed, but I've got the warm glow of my bedside lamp on. I have this gigantic pillow that I kind of put against the hard wall. And then I sort of lean my back against it. And then I usually pull my blankets all around me. I draw my knees up so that they sort of act like a book prop. And then, you know, I open the book. I let the weight of the book fall open, and I just dive right in. And, like, sometimes I can be there for, you know, a page, but other times, even if I'm so tired, I just can't close the book. And I keep reading while everyone sleeps around me. And sometimes those are the best nights anyway. Love hearing these. I wish you all happy reading.

[Danielle Robay]

Mmm, that sounds super cozy.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Thanks, Lauren. Listening to you makes me want to curl up in my own cotton sheets, tuck under a blanket, and read all night, too. I love how these rituals are as much about the little comforts, the fabrics.

[Danielle Robay]

The light reading, the quiet, as they.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Are about the books themselves.

[Danielle Robay]

Right?

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

So keep your ideal reading setups coming. What are you wearing? What's around you? Are you reading by sunlight or lamplight, under a cotton throw, or in your favorite lounge setup? Take me right into your perfect reading ritual. Leave me a voicemail at 501-291-3379 or email a voice memo to bookmarked at Reese's Book Club.

[Danielle Robay]

I want to hear from you. Thanks to Cotton for bringing this segment.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

To life and reminding us that comfort and style can go hand in hand.

[Danielle Robay]

Don't forget to check the tag for cotton.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And if you want to learn more.

[Danielle Robay]

Head to the fabric of our lives Dot com. And if you want a little bit more from us, come hang with us on socials. We're at Reese's Book Club on Instagram, serving up book books, vibes and behind the scenes magic. And I'm Danielle Robay, R O B A Y Come say hi and DM me.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And if you want to go 90s on us, call us. Okay?

[Danielle Robay]

Our phone line is open so call now at 1-501291-3379. That's 1-501-291-3379.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Share your literary high book recommendations, questions.

[Danielle Robay]

About the monthly pick or let us know what you think about the episode you just heard. And who knows, you might just hear.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Yourself in our next episode.

[Danielle Robay]

So don't be shy, give us a ring.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

And of course, make sure to follow.

[Danielle Robay]

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Iheartradio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your shows. Until then, see you in the next chapter. Bookmarked is a production of hello Sunshine and iheart Podcast.

[Danielle Robay]

It's executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and me, Danielle Robe.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Production is by Acast Creative Studios. Our producers are Maddie Foley, Brittany Martinez, Sarah Schlied and Darby Masters. Our production assistant is Avery Loftus. Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rutter are the.

[Danielle Robay]

Executive producers for Acast Creative Studios. Maureen Polo and and Reese Witherspoon are the executive producers for hello Sunshine. Olga Kaminwa, Kristin Perla and Ashley Rapoport are associate producers for Reese's Book Club.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Ally Perry and Lauren Hanson are the executive producers for iHeart podcasts.

[Danielle Robay]

Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton we spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for a lazy weekend morning with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into everyday moments. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. The fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com Apple Books is the best way to read or listen to the books you love. Without a subscription right on your iPhone and a heads up for listeners, Apple.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Books is the official audiobook and ebook home for Reese's Book Club so you.

[Danielle Robay]

Can discover every exciting pitch plus author curated collections and more all in one place. Open the Apple Books app to explore a world of books and audiobooks. You can set and track your reading goals and get great recommendations for your.

[Danielle Robay (Co-host of Bookmarked)]

Next read or listen again.

[Danielle Robay]

No subscription required. Visit Apple co Reese that's R E E S E Applebooks to find out more.

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[Podcast Host Intro]

This is an iheart podcast.